A song of ascents.
This phrase indicates that Psalm 123 is part of the Songs of Ascents, a collection of Psalms (120-134) traditionally sung by Hebrew pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. The term "ascents" suggests a physical and spiritual journey, reflecting the upward movement towards God’s presence in the temple. Historically, these songs were used to prepare the hearts of the worshipers, fostering a sense of anticipation and reverence.

I lift up my eyes to You,
This phrase signifies an act of looking towards God, symbolizing dependence and trust. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lifting one's eyes was a gesture of seeking help or guidance. It reflects a posture of humility and submission, acknowledging God as the source of aid and comfort. This act of looking upwards is a recurring theme in the Psalms, emphasizing reliance on divine intervention (Psalm 121:1-2).

the One enthroned in heaven.
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereign rule and authority, emphasizing His position as the ultimate King. The imagery of God being "enthroned in heaven" highlights His transcendence and majesty, setting Him apart from earthly rulers. It connects to other scriptures that depict God’s throne as a place of power and judgment (Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 4:2). This heavenly enthronement also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ’s ascension and His seated position at the right hand of the Father, affirming His divine authority and intercessory role (Hebrews 1:3).

As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master
In ancient Near Eastern culture, servants were entirely dependent on their masters for provision, protection, and direction. This relationship was characterized by loyalty and trust, as the servant relied on the master's hand for sustenance and guidance. The imagery here reflects a posture of humility and dependence, emphasizing the servant's attentiveness to the master's will. Biblically, this can be seen in the relationship between God and His people, where believers are called to be attentive and obedient to God's commands, much like servants to their masters. This phrase also echoes the theme of servanthood found throughout Scripture, where Jesus Himself is described as the ultimate servant (Philippians 2:7).

as the eyes of a maidservant look to the hand of her mistress
The mention of a maidservant highlights the gender-specific roles within the household structure of the time. Maidservants, like their male counterparts, were expected to be attentive and responsive to their mistress's needs and commands. This reflects a cultural context where women, though often in subordinate roles, played crucial parts in the functioning of a household. The imagery of looking to the hand suggests a readiness to act and a dependence on the mistress for provision and instruction. This can be paralleled with the church's relationship to Christ, where believers are called to be the bride of Christ, looking to Him for guidance and sustenance (Ephesians 5:24).

so our eyes are on the LORD our God
This phrase shifts the focus from human relationships to the divine, illustrating the psalmist's reliance on God. The use of "our" indicates a communal aspect, suggesting that this is not just an individual plea but a collective expression of dependence on God. The eyes being on the LORD signifies a posture of expectation and hope, trusting in God's character and promises. This is consistent with the biblical theme of looking to God for help and deliverance, as seen in other psalms (Psalm 121:1-2). It also reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He is their provider and protector.

until He shows us mercy
The plea for mercy underscores the psalmist's recognition of human frailty and the need for divine compassion. Mercy, in the biblical sense, involves God's loving-kindness and forgiveness, often in response to human repentance and humility. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's mercy towards His people, despite their shortcomings. The anticipation of mercy is a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists often cry out for God's intervention and grace (Psalm 51:1). This phrase also points to the ultimate act of mercy in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the fulfillment of God's merciful plan for salvation (Titus 3:5).

Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy
This plea for mercy is a common theme throughout the Psalms, reflecting a deep dependence on God's grace and compassion. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the request. In the Hebrew context, "mercy" (חָנַן, chanan) implies a heartfelt compassion and favor that is undeserved. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies a personal relationship with the covenant-keeping God of Israel. This cry for mercy can be seen as a type of Christ, who embodies God's ultimate mercy through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The plea echoes the prayers of other biblical figures, such as David in Psalm 51, who sought God's mercy after his sin with Bathsheba.

for we have endured much contempt
The psalmist speaks to the experience of scorn and derision, which was a common plight for the Israelites, especially during times of exile or oppression by surrounding nations. This contempt could be both external, from enemies, and internal, from fellow Israelites who had turned away from God. Historically, Israel faced contempt from nations like Babylon and Assyria, who mocked their faith and trust in God. This phrase connects to the suffering servant motif found in Isaiah 53, where the servant endures scorn and rejection. It also prefigures the mockery and contempt Jesus faced during His earthly ministry and crucifixion, as seen in the Gospels. The endurance of contempt is a call to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God's ultimate justice and vindication.

We have endured much scorn from the arrogant
This phrase reflects the experience of the Israelites who often faced derision from surrounding nations. The term "scorn" indicates a deep-seated disdain, which the Israelites endured from those who were self-sufficient and dismissive of God's chosen people. Historically, Israel was surrounded by powerful empires such as Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon, which often looked down on them. This scorn can be seen in the mocking of the Israelites during their captivity and exile. Biblically, this echoes the experiences of figures like Nehemiah, who faced ridicule from Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 4:1-3). Theologically, this scorn can be seen as a test of faith, where the faithful are called to endure and trust in God's deliverance.

much contempt from the proud
The "contempt" mentioned here is a stronger form of disdain, suggesting a dismissive attitude that the proud have towards those they consider inferior. In the biblical context, the "proud" often refers to those who rely on their own strength and wisdom rather than on God. This is a recurring theme throughout the Psalms and Proverbs, where pride is consistently condemned (Proverbs 16:18). The proud are often contrasted with the humble, who find favor with God (James 4:6). In a prophetic sense, this contempt can be seen as a foreshadowing of the rejection and scorn that Jesus Christ would endure from the religious leaders and the Roman authorities, who were proud in their own understanding and power. This phrase calls believers to remain steadfast in the face of contempt, trusting in God's ultimate justice and vindication.